Help with brakes pads choice!!!

[timmyzr1]

I ordered the rear RB rotors 255MM brakes upgrades, now i need to choose rear brakes pads. Im torn between semi metallic and ceramic! I dont want to loose cold bite!! Love how those brakes bite, and it gets pretty up in here. So i dont mind brake dust, if there is, a trade off for awesome brakes response and efficience in cold weather. I was looking at EBC yellow stuff, centri posi quiet, Hawks 5.0, carbontech 1521, as well as Powerstop Z23. Since im getting pretty expensive rotors, i would like to get most of my upgrade! Any help with experience with those or other would be great!

EDIT: yes i did searched!

[OE2]

this one? https://www.racingbrake.com/RB-2pc-R...EAR-p/2182.htm

[0000 RS5]

I went with Ferodo DS2500 brake pads (FCP1664H).

[arenared]

I put EBC Red Stuff in mine (all around). The wear sensors don't fit, so I cut them off. I might have put Green Stuff in if they made them as the cold bite is amazing. The reds take a mild/medium stop or two to get into temperature. The reds, on the other hand, have crazy low dusting, so I'm fine, too. I wouldn't big track on either of these, but AX should be fine. At least the front brakes should be fine as they're huge.

One immediate plus (which I wanted like with your upsized rotors) is increased rear brake bias. The friction compound on the rears was EF (on my RS3) vs GG on the Red Stuffs. Front was FF which also went to GG. With the larger rear rotors and higher friction compound, I can definitely feel more rear brake bias, less nose dive, and overall better braking.

I'm not inclined to go any further on the rear brake bias since the rear brakes, in general, are just wussy brakes -- dwarfed by the fronts. On my Porsche, I actually put front brakes on the rear (custom, of course). That car brakes insane.

FWIW, I was also tempted by the Yellow Stuff, but the lower brake dust of the reds and the fact that EBC paints their pads stupid colors (other than red), and I didn't want yellow pads showing in the calipers.

[timmyzr1]

this one? https://www.racingbrake.com/RB-2pc-R...EAR-p/2182.htm

no this one:

https://www.facebook.com/RBRacingRot...type=3&theater

[timmyzr1]

I put EBC Red Stuff in mine (all around). The wear sensors don't fit, so I cut them off. I might have put Green Stuff in if they made them as the cold bite is amazing. The reds take a mild/medium stop or two to get into temperature. The reds, on the other hand, have crazy low dusting, so I'm fine, too. I wouldn't big track on either of these, but AX should be fine. At least the front brakes should be fine as they're huge.

One immediate plus (which I wanted like with your upsized rotors) is increased rear brake bias. The friction compound on the rears was EF (on my RS3) vs GG on the Red Stuffs. Front was FF which also went to GG. With the larger rear rotors and higher friction compound, I can definitely feel more rear brake bias, less nose dive, and overall better braking.

I'm not inclined to go any further on the rear brake bias since the rear brakes, in general, are just wussy brakes -- dwarfed by the fronts. On my Porsche, I actually put front brakes on the rear (custom, of course). That car brakes insane.

FWIW, I was also tempted by the Yellow Stuff, but the lower brake dust of the reds and the fact that EBC paints their pads stupid colors (other than red), and I didn't want yellow pads showing in the calipers.

So if got this right, you're saying with oversized rotor with more grabby rear pads will overthrown brakes bias? In other word, yellow will provide better cold bite right? I had a Cayenne GTS 958.2 before the rs3, and braking was amazing, but SOOOO dusty!!!

[Nat&Kev]

I use red stuff pads on all my Audi’s, I love them. Especially for daily use, not much brake dust compared to
OEM


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[arenared]

So if got this right, you're saying with oversized rotor with more grabby rear pads will overthrown brakes bias? In other word, yellow will provide better cold bite right? I had a Cayenne GTS 958.2 before the rs3, and braking was amazing, but SOOOO dusty!!!

Car manufacturers tend to build in huge front brake bias. IMO, you should be trying to increase rear brake bias. Bigger rotors will give you higher brake torque (remember F x R from physics), but not huge amounts -- like +5% to +10%. Higher friction brake pads will also increase rear brake torque (the F) -- like +25% or +50% or even +100%. It's just tough to get accurate manufacture info.

Actually, I looked up my notes, and the stock rear pads were DE. D is 0.15 to 0.25 mu. G is 0.45 to 0.55, so like double. The third way is to increase piston area (different calipers). Many people put on big brake kits (on the front) believing the fronts do all the work but end up with more front brake bias and worse braking (but more bling).

EBC rates their Yellow Stuff has having slightly higher cold friction, but I find it hard to believe it's much since yellow is more track oriented. OTOH, I have read many threads/reviews that say the yellows disintegrated on the track. EBC rates the yellows as higher friction than reds, but studying actual Google images, most are EE. Most actual pictures of reds were EE and FF, but both the fronts and rears I ordered were GG. Actual images of the 8V fronts I was finding on Google were Pagid OEMs GG, but mine, in fact, were FF. I think manufacturers reformulate things or use slightly different compounds for different pads/applications, so nothing is absolute.

The other thing with very aggressive pads is not only the brake dust, but they chew up rotors (adding more brake dust). In my experience, the EBC Green and Red are pretty gentle on rotors. Aggressive pad compounds like on the RS3 can chew up rotors in under 30K miles.

Between the yellows and reds (and stock), the tradeoff is probably a little cold bite vs. brake dust.

[timmyzr1]

Car manufacturers tend to build in huge front brake bias. IMO, you should be trying to increase rear brake bias. Bigger rotors will give you higher brake torque (remember F x R from physics), but not huge amounts -- like +5% to +10%. Higher friction brake pads will also increase rear brake torque (the F) -- like +25% or +50% or even +100%. It's just tough to get accurate manufacture info.

Actually, I looked up my notes, and the stock rear pads were DE. D is 0.15 to 0.25 mu. G is 0.45 to 0.55, so like double. The third way is to increase piston area (different calipers). Many people put on big brake kits (on the front) believing the fronts do all the work but end up with more front brake bias and worse braking (but more bling).

EBC rates their Yellow Stuff has having slightly higher cold friction, but I find it hard to believe it's much since yellow is more track oriented. OTOH, I have read many threads/reviews that say the yellows disintegrated on the track. EBC rates the yellows as higher friction than reds, but studying actual Google images, most are EE. Most actual pictures of reds were EE and FF, but both the fronts and rears I ordered were GG. Actual images of the 8V fronts I was finding on Google were Pagid OEMs GG, but mine, in fact, were FF. I think manufacturers reformulate things or use slightly different compounds for different pads/applications, so nothing is absolute.

The other thing with very aggressive pads is not only the brake dust, but they chew up rotors (adding more brake dust). In my experience, the EBC Green and Red are pretty gentle on rotors. Aggressive pad compounds like on the RS3 can chew up rotors in under 30K miles.

Between the yellows and reds (and stock), the tradeoff is probably a little cold bite vs. brake dust.

thanks for the knowledge!! I turned out, that i need front as well… light went on today!! What about the OEM brembo pads? or since im doing the four coners, i would like to stick with one brand! What about the hawks pads?

[gokchen]

thanks for the knowledge!! I turned out, that i need front as well… light went on today!! What about the OEM brembo pads? or since im doing the four coners, i would like to stick with one brand! What about the hawks pads?

Just letting you know. If the light went on with OEM pads you probably still have roughly 40% pad left. Audi dealer will charge you a shitload for them. I was quoted $3600cad($2700usd) for rotor/pad replacement

[RSKYBET]

I also use EBC Red Stuff.

[Kai@EliteMS]

Thinking about doing the red stuff next as well

[WZ3R0]

Just letting you know. If the light went on with OEM pads you probably still have roughly 40% pad left. Audi dealer will charge you a shitload for them. I was quoted $3600cad($2700usd) for rotor/pad replacement

What did you end up going with instead?

[Potatohead_RS3]

Red Stuff look not bad but not sure I want to go into a ceramic pad. I may just try Centric 104's, aka StopTech Sport because they are dirt cheap and probably pretty decent.

[timmyzr1]

Red Stuff look not bad but not sure I want to go into a ceramic pad. I may just try Centric 104's, aka StopTech Sport because they are dirt cheap and probably pretty decent.

but they arent availables for the front, do they??!!

[Potatohead_RS3]

but they arent availables for the front, do they??!!

Get the ones for an R8, RS5, etc. The only difference is the wire connector shape.

Edit - I should say 2015 models. Not the new ones.

[timmyzr1]

Get the ones for an R8, RS5, etc. The only difference is the wire connector shape.

Edit - I should say 2015 models. Not the new ones.

Great thanks! From rock auto?

[timmyzr1]

What would you guy do for around same money, OEM wavy rotor 370mm front and 356 rear or 2 pieces aftermarket?? They cost about the same!

[Potatohead_RS3]

Great thanks! From rock auto?

From anywhere, yeah. RA is cheap for them.

[Potatohead_RS3]

What would you guy do for around same money, OEM wavy rotor 370mm front and 356 rear or 2 pieces aftermarket?? They cost about the same!

If you are getting OEM I would only get the version 3 ones, mine have been solid. Advantage to aftermarket is they're probably lighter and when they do wear out, you can just replace the rings which should be cheaper.

[timmyzr1]

Great thanks! From rock auto?

On rock auto, its says 265mm, is the same as the rs3 270mm?? 50010290 P/O

[Potatohead_RS3]

On rock auto, its says 265mm, is the same as the rs3 270mm?? 50010290 P/O

Are you talking front or rear?

Front is the same as 2015 RS5, 2008 RS4 etc. Rear is the same as an 8V S3 or Golf R. The PN# you want for front pads is 10410290. Or 10510290 if you prefer ceramic material.

Edit - I just read OP again (lol) sorry I got this confused with another thread. So in this case you might as well search for pads for RS3 since it is the rear. PN# 10417611

[timmyzr1]

Are you talking front or rear?

Front is the same as 2015 RS5, 2008 RS4 etc. Rear is the same as an 8V S3 or Golf R. The PN# you want for front pads is 10410290. Or 10510290 if you prefer ceramic material.

Edit - I just read OP again (lol) sorry I got this confused with another thread. So in this case you might as well search for pads for RS3 since it is the rear. PN# 10417611

great thanks!!

[RSKYBET]

What would you guy do for around same money, OEM wavy rotor 370mm front and 356 rear or 2 pieces aftermarket?? They cost about the same!

Absolutely go with aftermarket 2 piece for the front if you don't mind the additional cost as it's the only downside. Not only can you just change the rotor ring the next time for reduced cost, but you'll reduce unsprung weight and gain correctly oriented rotor vanes on both sides of the car.

[jl87]

P/N for EBC Red F/R pads?

[timmyzr1]

Absolutely go with aftermarket 2 piece for the front if you don't mind the additional cost as it's the only downside. Not only can you just change the rotor ring the next time for reduced cost, but you'll reduce unsprung weight and gain correctly oriented rotor vanes on both sides of the car.

also floating so much better heat expension!

- - - Updated - - -

I also use EBC Red Stuff.

Did you lost a lot of initial bite?

[timmyzr1]

Red Stuff look not bad but not sure I want to go into a ceramic pad. I may just try Centric 104's, aka StopTech Sport because they are dirt cheap and probably pretty decent.

Im sure they dust alot and have awesome, but arent worried that those will eat up the rotors??

[timmyzr1]

Are you talking front or rear?

Front is the same as 2015 RS5, 2008 RS4 etc. Rear is the same as an 8V S3 or Golf R. The PN# you want for front pads is 10410290. Or 10510290 if you prefer ceramic material.

Edit - I just read OP again (lol) sorry I got this confused with another thread. So in this case you might as well search for pads for RS3 since it is the rear. PN# 10417611

I narrowed down my choice on Centric, Now i need to figure semi, metal or ceramic!! Im afraid to lose too much initial bite with ceramic and im afraid that the semi will eat my new 2 pieces rotors. I tend to go ceramic, but my RS3 is a DD and winter cold might be an issue with ceramic!

[arenared]

P/N for EBC Red F/R pads?

Fronts are DP31513C, Amazon ~$165 (all 8 pads)
Rears are DP32173C, Amazon $60

(basically nothing compared to Audi)

[jl87]

Fronts are DP31513C, Amazon ~$165 (all 8 pads)
Rears are DP32173C, Amazon $60

(basically nothing compared to Audi)

Thank you! Yes, way better than OEM.

[timmyzr1]

Fronts are DP31513C, Amazon ~$165 (all 8 pads)
Rears are DP32173C, Amazon $60

(basically nothing compared to Audi)

no cold braking issue with the red stuff??

[Potatohead_RS3]

Im sure they dust alot and have awesome, but arent worried that those will eat up the rotors??

That's partly why I probably wouldn't move into a ceramic pad. Ceramic typically last longer, dust less and are quieter, but less initial bite, harder on rotors, feel worse and don't handle heat as well. Not sure where you heard semi metallic are harder on rotors, usually the opposite.

[arenared]

no cold braking issue with the red stuff??

The reds do not have as much cold bite as I would like. The greens are what I really like for street, but they are not made in RS3 sizes. I still probably would have gone with reds even if they made greens since I like to keep the RS3 clean, and I like the low brake dust. It really depends on how much brake torque you need. If you expect a full 1G stop on stone-cold pads, they'll be coming into temp during the brake and inconsistent and disappointing.

What I usually do is try to get in a few mild stops (residential stop signs) or some light, periodic freeway braking before expecting some decent braking. Typically, this happens naturally during normal driving, but like driving in the rain, I will gently brake or ride the brakes to keep the pads dry and at a decent temperature if I haven't used the brakes in a long time. If you are driving aggressively, then you need to get them warmer still, but that would apply to the tires, too.

I haven't run aftermarket "semi-metallic" pads (like Hawks) in decades. Manufacturers are always tweaking their formulations, but I've had some semi-metallics in the past that I would just consider dangerous or that they just failed due to come up to temperature evenly (pucker moments). The reds are much better in this regard.

Also, a lot of other pads are very aggressive on rotors. The reds are not.

On my Porsche, I did get a light squeal during very light braking on the reds, but I don't get any on the RS3. I just put reds (and new rotors) on another car that chewed through its rotors in under 30K miles on stock (aggressive) pads, and no squeal with reds on that car, either. That other car dusted like crazy, too. A week of maybe only 30 miles of local driving, and the wheels were filthy with brake dust.

My only real gripe with EBC (other than the stupid colors of their pads) is their break-in coating which is not needed on new rotors. Additionally, the break-in coating makes a mess during the first week of break-in use. I know how to bed/break-in pads and know not to expect crazy performance until they are broken in.

[timmyzr1]

That's partly why I probably wouldn't move into a ceramic pad. Ceramic typically last longer, dust less and are quieter, but less initial bite, harder on rotors, feel worse and don't handle heat as well. Not sure where you heard semi metallic are harder on rotors, usually the opposite.

I heard the exact opposite version!!! Some says, semi metallic are harder on rotors, and some saying ceramics is!!?? I spent almost 3K on rotors, not looking to bust them in 30 000km!!! I know semi-metal carbon are dustier, but initial bite should be better, is it?? the more i read the more im lost!!!

[Potatohead_RS3]

I heard the exact opposite version!!! Some says, semi metallic are harder on rotors, and some saying ceramics is!!?? I spent almost 3K on rotors, not looking to bust them in 30 000km!!! I know semi-metal carbon are dustier, but initial bite should be better, is it?? the more i read the more im lost!!!

Typically ceramic is harder on rotors. Of course there are probably some exceptions out there but speaking in generalities, that is normally the case.

[0000 RS5]

Typically ceramic is harder on rotors. Of course there are probably some exceptions out there but speaking in generalities, that is normally the case.

Ceramic pads are harder on rotors than organic, but are less hard on rotors than semi-metallic. That being said, how the pads are being used will have a greater impact on wear.

[NelsDMAX]

no this one:

https://www.facebook.com/RBRacingRot...type=3&theater

I got the same rotors from RB Racing. Showing up this week so they can be installed with my Essex front rotors!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[timmyzr1]

Ceramic pads are harder on rotors than organic, but are less hard on rotors than semi-metallic. That being said, how the pads are being used will have a greater impact on wear.

I understand that driving habits have a lots to do with wears, but in similar driving conditions, highway, few high speeds braking, some half mile event, but mostly DD. If cold bite is greatly reduced by ceramic s, then semi it is!!

[timmyzr1]

Ceramic pads are harder on rotors than organic, but are less hard on rotors than semi-metallic. That being said, how the pads are being used will have a greater impact on wear.

I got the same rotors from RB Racing. Showing up this week so they can be installed with my Essex front rotors!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

cant wait to hear your review! i ordered front and rear!

[timmyzr1]

Ceramic pads are harder on rotors than organic, but are less hard on rotors than semi-metallic. That being said, how the pads are being used will have a greater impact on wear.

what about those!!!??

https://www.counterman.com/centric-p...sc-brake-pads/